November 27th marks 70 years since the birth of Jimi Hendrix, the man who changed electric guitar and rock and roll forever. Throughout November, CBS Local will remember the legendary musician’s life and career.

It’s a given that Jimi’s music has influenced every generation who followed him, but he also influenced everyone playing rock music when he first hit the scene. Spectrum Road is a supergroup that features Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid, who grew up listening to Jimi, and Jack Bruce, whose band Cream was already popular by the time Hendrix debuted.

Reid tells CBS Local that everything about Hendrix blew him away, from his look to the way he sounded. Unlike most fans, he got into Jimi through his Band Of Gypsys era (as opposed to his Experience era). “His ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ redefined The National Anthem. He sounded like something not of this world.”

Bruce says that Hendrix was an incredible musician who happened to play guitar; he would have been a game-changer on any instrument.

Hendrix was a huge Cream fan, and in fact, did an instrumental cover of “Sunshine Of Your Love.” Two versions were included on 2011’s Live At Winterland box set.